The eleventh of only fourteen RHD Ferrari 250 GT SWB built
Delivered new to Ferrari racer, John von Neumann
One of only two RHD Ferrari 250 GT SWB delivered new to USA
Matching numbers example
This Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta
SWB – three of the most fabled letters to refer to a Ferrari.
From 1960 to 1962 Ferrari produced this, the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, and
it was to become one of the most successful, desirable and best-loved models to
ever come from Maranello. Powered by Ferraris iconic, Colombo-designed, 3.0-litre
V12, and designed by Carrozzeria Pininfarina and built in collaboration with
Carrozzeria Scaglietti, the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was as at home on the French
Riviera as it was racing along the Mulsanne straight at 3am on a Sunday morning
in June for the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
Over its lifetime, the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta won its class at the Le Mans
24 Hours race twice, in 1960 and 1961. It also dominated the demanding Tour de
France Automobile, claiming outright victory three time consecutively from 1960
to 1962. In 1960 and 1961 it also won the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood along with
GT class victories at the Nurburgring 1000 KM. On track, the 250 GT SWB
Berlinetta continued the Ferrari tradition of world-wide success.
The car offered
here, chassis 3463 GT was completed at the Ferrari factory in early 1962,
finished in Nocciola (Hazelnut) over a Nero VM8500 interior. This road
specification 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is the eleventh of only fourteen right
hand-drive examples built, and one of only two delivered new o the United
States of America.
3463 GT was
delivered new through Luigi Chinetti Motors of New York to Otto Zipper Motors
in Los Angeles, who sold the car to its first owner, John von Neumann in
California. Neumann was a sports car enthusiast, turn race car driver. Having
started his racing career in the late 1940’s, Neumann began racing with and MG
TD and Porsche 356 SL before racing a Ferrari 500 Mondial in 1954. A Ferrari
750 Monza and 860 Monza brought many victories before Neumann began racing a
250 TR and 335S, regularly entering high-profile events including the 12 Hours
of Sebring, and 1000 KM of Buenos Aires. Previously, Neumann had also owned a
Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ which was also finished in
Nocciola, clearly a fan of a hazelnut Ferrari!
By the end
of the late 1960’s, this Ferrari was offered for sale through Robert ‘Bob’
Grossman’s dealership in New York State before being bought by Ken Philips in
Pennsylvania. A year later, in 1977, this car was listed in the Ferrari Owners
Club USA membership directory and owned by William C. Trimble in Maryland. In
the early 1980’s 2464 GT was repainted dark blue metallic and advertised for
sale by Ron Spangler’s Prancing Horse Farm of Bel Air, Maryland for nearly
$2,000,000 USD. The car remained in the United States of America before being
bought by an English collector in 2008.
During this
English ownership, the car has been lovingly maintained by Ferrari specialists,
Bob Houghton, and in 2011 was awarded its FIVA Identity Card. The same year
this car briefly returned to Italy to attend the Villa d’Este Concours
d’Elegance on the shores of Lake Como.
The car has
recently been inspected by Tony Willis of The Maranello Concessionaires Archive
and presented to Ferrari Classiche for Certification. It has been confirmed this
car retains its original chassis, engine, gearbox, rear axle and body. Ferrari
Specialists, Bob Houghton, have also fully serviced the car in August of this
year at a cost exceeding £5,000, ensuring the next owner will be able to enjoy
this incredibly rare and important Ferrari.
Price Upon Application
Want more details on this car?
Our passion, knowledge and expertise gained from over 40 years of experience offers you a subjective opinion when considering either the sale, or purchase of a car potentially costing millions of pounds.
We are a dynamic, young, friendly team, focused on ensuring our clients always receive the unrivalled service they have come accustomed to from the Girardo & Co. team.
Consign your car